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electric, Motoring, XPeng

Performance and executive class from Xpeng

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X-Peng G6 Performance

By Bill McCarthy

When you think of blistering performance, names like Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus and McLaren come to mind, all with price tags to match. But there are luxury models out there with impressive pace and a much more modest price. The Xpeng G6 Performance is one of those.

The X what? I hear you say. Let me explain.

XPENG is a Chinese EV company founded in 2014, headquartered in Guangzhou and Amsterdam. It is relatively new to the UK, and with the G6 Performance, it has created a powerful electric beast that takes on established premium brands without the eye-watering cost.

The G6 Performance stands out as one of the most rapid EVs I have driven recently. I had previously driven the G6 Long Range, itself an impressive range performer, but this model offers stronger performance and supercharging capability, where available, reaching 80 per cent in just 12 minutes.

The G6 is designed to rival and undercut the Tesla Model Y, and this variant comes in at a notably lower price. It offers an attractive mix of value, build quality and battery technology. As for reliability, while the brand is young, a collaboration with Volkswagen suggests it is respected by major industry players and should deliver peace of mind for potential buyers.

Design and first impressions

The car certainly draws attention. Its design is sporty, sleek and aerodynamic, coming across as an elegant family SUV rather than overtly futuristic. 

The Performance badge is a giveaway to what lurks underneath and key features such as the smart alloy wheels, auto-sensing LED lights, frameless doors and panoramic glass roof contribute to a premium appearance.

A high-end cabin with a sporty edge

Slip inside and it feels minimalist, but with a luxury upmarket feel to rival some of the best in the executive market. It features quality materials, with soft-touch leatherette wrapping throughout. The ambient lighting and geometric-patterned wood trim across the dashboard add an extra touch of class.

Yet for all its luxury, there is an undeniable sporty undertone. The comfortable front seats – heated, ventilated and even featuring a massage function – hold you firmly in place, while the flat-bottomed (if oddly shaped) steering wheel and the fighter-jet-style floating centre console hint at the Performance model’s dual-motor potency.

Front and centre are two screens. A large 15-inch central display handles navigation, connectivity and the premium sound system, while real-time data is presented on a smaller 10-inch driver’s screen.

The bespoke XPILOT ASSIST intelligent driving system, with over-the-air updates, adds peace of mind through its comprehensive suite of cameras and collision prevention aids—all fitted as standard. And for those moments when you are not behind the wheel, the XPENG phone app lets you remotely pre-condition the cabin or check charging status from afar.

The heated steering wheel retains physical buttons and rotary controls for media, volume and climate settings. However, I remain unconvinced by its elliptical shape, reminding me of the old Austin Allegro’s much-maligned quartic wheel, and while Xpeng claims it improves visibility and legroom, I never quite grew accustomed to it.

Overall, though, this is a cabin that balances plush comfort with a genuine sporting character. It feels like a place you want to spend time – where motorway crusiing or tackling twisting country roads – the the mark of a well-executed interior.

On-the-road performance

Behind the wheel, the Performance model delivers an exhilarating driving experience. This dual-motor all-wheel-drive test model, producing 480bhp and 660Nm of torque, pins occupants back when you floor the accelerator and hits 60mph in approximately 4.1 seconds.

The ride is firm yet comfortable, and the car feels planted and agile through corners, aided by responsive steering.  Selecting drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport) must be done via the central screen, along with other functions, which can be distracting for the driver.

Practicalities, charging and space

As a family type car, stowage space is important and the G6 offers a 571-litre boot with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,374 litres when they are folded down.

Just about big enough, but a long way from market leader.

The Performance model uses an 80.8kWh battery, offering an official WLTP range of 316 miles. Although i would estimate near 280-285 during this test.

So much depends on driving conditions and how heavy your foot is with the accelerator peda.

What truly sets the G6 apart is its class-leading charging capability. The 800-volt architecture allows for a peak charging speed of 451kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can take as little as 12 minutes on a suitably powerful charger, when they become available..

Verdict

The Xpeng G6 Performance combines striking design, a premium and technology-rich cabin, decent real-world range and class-leading charging potential.

It blistering pace and is a hugely enjoyable drive. While the all-screen interface and unconventional steering wheel  may not suit all tastes, this Chinese newcomer is a sophisticated contender in the UK’s EV market.

Factfile

  • XPENG G6 Performance
  • Mechanical: Dual electric motors (480bhp) and 80.8kWh battery driving all wheels via auto transmission.
  • Price: £49,990
  • Max speed: 126mph
  • 0-62mph: 4.1 seconds
  • Electric range: 316 miles (WLTP)
  • CO2 emissions: 0g/km
  • BiK rating: 4%
  • Insurance group: 44
  • Warranty: 5yrs/75,000 miles (vehicle), 8yrs/100,000 miles (battery)

electric, Executive, Mazda, Motoring, Saloon

Mazda6e a stylish electric return of a saloon favourite

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Mazda 6e first drive

By Bill McCarthy

Mazda has never been afraid to buck the trend. The brand has continued to produce large diesel SUVs and high-capacity petrol engines, and now it makes a bold return to the D-segment with the rebirth of the Mazda6 – this time as a full-electric model.

The original Mazda6 was a stylish alternative to rivals like the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat. Produced across three generations from 2002 to 2023, it built a loyal following among both retail and fleet customers. This new EV reinvents the formula with a sleek five-door hatchback-style saloon that aims to blend tradition with future-focused design.

Pricing and Positioning

With both UK models priced under £40,000 – £38,995 for the Takumi and £39,995 for the Takumi Plus – the Mazda6e is not a budget offering. However, it comes generously equipped and delivers a premium feel that helps justify the cost. And then there’s the six-year or 100,000-mile new vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, and 3-year or 60,000-mile European roadside assistance 

Unlike the European market, which receives two battery options, the UK gets a single, larger 78kWh LFP battery. The electric motor produces 258ps and 290Nm of torque, delivering a combined WLTP range of 348 miles. The Mazda6e joins the smaller CX-30 EV in the line-up, but it is a very different proposition – bigger, sleeker, and more refined.

Performance and charging

Driving the rear wheels, the Mazda6e reaches 62mph in 7.3 seconds, while a 10 to 80 per cent charge on a 200kW DC charger takes 24 minutes. During a 150-mile test drive through the Welsh countryside of Snowdonia, the UK-spec version delivered better performance than the left-hand-drive model I sampled last year on Shropshire’s challenging country lanes. The car felt composed, responsive, and impressively refined throughout.

Design and styling

Developed under what Mazda describes as ‘Electrifying Design Crafted to Perfection’, the Mazda6e introduces the next evolution of the brand’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design philosophy.

Translated, it might read as: the marriage of futuristic electric performance with the brand’s signature, human-centric artistry. All a bit ethereal and highbrow sounding, but it has a striking presence.

The exterior is sleek and aerodynamic, with signature wing lights around the grille that glow to indicate charging status. The vehicle sits on 19-inch aerodynamic wheels featuring a sporty five-spoke design with flat black surfaces.

At the rear, a distinctive light signature with a horizontal tail light bar is complemented by Mazda lettering replacing the rear logo badge for the first time. Another Mazda first is the electronically extendable rear spoiler, designed to enhance stability at speed.

Interior and practicality

The cabin is spacious and airy, featuring a panoramic roof, a floating centre console, and soft-touch materials across both trim levels. The Takumi features black or stone Maztex, Mazda’s durable and easy-to-clean vegan leather alternative.

The Takumi Plus upgrades to premium tan Nappa leather with artificial suede cloth woven fabric seat trim. Both front seats are powered and heated.The cockpit includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, and an augmented reality head-up display. However, like many modern cars with large screens, there is a range of sometimes confusing menus and sub-menus which can be distracting for the driver.

On the practicality front, the hatchback offers a 337-litre boot, expandable via 60-40 split-folding rear seats, plus a 72-litre front ‘frunk’ – generous storage for the segment.

Driving dynamics

On the road, the Mazda6e feels reminiscent of its predecessor, with sharp handling and good stability through corners – likely aided by the new rear spoiler. The steering is nicely weighted and responsive, while the suspension strikes a firm yet comfortable balance.Refinement is a strong point.

On smoother roads, tyre noise was virtually absent, and even on poorer surfaces, noise was kept to a minimum. The car rarely felt unsettled by ruts or smaller potholes, contributing to a composed and engaging drive. Early doubts about the brakes were dispelled during a couple of sharp stops to avoid oncoming tractors on narrow Welsh country lanes – the system proved responsive and reassuring.

Verdict

The Mazda6e is a stylish and driver-focused with competitive range and charging speeds at a sub-£40k price point. It should also carry Mazda’s famed realiability.

However, the infotainment system can be distracting, the acceleration is decent if unremarkable, and the lack of a smaller battery option limits choice in a crowded segment. For those who prioritise design and driving engagement, it remains an appealing option.